Let's Talk About Your Breasts

Dorothy Gibbons, CEO & Cofounder

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons. Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Hugs, Hope, and Health: A Woman’s Battle Cry Against Breast Cancer

    Why is community support crucial during health crises? In this episode, Dorothy and Nancy Strohmer delve into the significance of showing support and care for others during tough times. Nancy shares her journey through a health crisis, highlighting the importance of receiving support from friends, family, and the community. This experience inspired her mission to help others through awareness and resources.  The conversation underscores the role of faith and community in coping during a crisis. Dorothy stresses the importance of annual mammograms for early detection of breast cancer, recounting a story of a daughter's proactive approach to her health. Nancy's story of her stage two breast cancer diagnosis, caught through a mammogram, emphasizes the importance of early detection. Her successful treatment journey serves as a powerful testament to the advancements in cancer care and the role of regular screenings. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts wherever you get your podcasts and consider making a donation at therose.org. Key Questions Answered 1.) Why is community support crucial during health crises? 2.) Why is it important to show support and care for others during difficult times? 3.) How did Nancy Strohmer's community support her during her health crisis? 4.) What role did Nancy's faith play during her health crisis? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Active leader, sold business, focused on family. 04:28 Radiologist predicted breast cancer, chose treatment immediately. 06:41 Grandsons surprise grandmother with get well card. 10:10 Mammogram confusion and importance for older women. 15:38 New passion to raise breast cancer awareness. 16:21 2 critical messages: mammograms save lives, exercise prevents cancer. 20:53 30% city lacks health coverage, women and children disproportionately affected. 24:34 Support and positivity crucial in facing cancer. 26:09 Human connection and thoughtfulness are important. 29:23 Supportive friend aids through tough times in Houston. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Breaking Barriers: How The Rose Brings Life-Saving Mammograms to Rural Texas

    Barriers shape the path to care. Emily Reis describes her role as a community engagement navigator for the Rose, connecting rural and urban communities to breast cancer screening resources. She covers Brazos Valley’s counties, teaches early detection, and works with clinics and facilitators to organize mobile mammogram days. Service relies on partnerships and word of mouth. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What does a Community Engagement Navigator do? 2. How does The Rose address barriers to breast cancer screening in the community? 3. What territory does Emily Reis cover as part of The Rose? 4. How does The Rose serve women in rural areas without imaging centers? 5. How do women make appointments for mobile mammogram days? 6. What role do local facilitators and clinics play in mobile screening events? 7. Why is it important for Community Engagement Navigators to be part of the communities they serve? 8. How does The Rose ensure ongoing support after a mammogram and diagnosis? 9. What motivates Emily Reis personally in her role? 10. How does The Rose promote regular annual mammograms and reach rural areas effectively? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Community Engagement for Life-Saving Connections 04:00 Mobile Imaging Access in Rural Areas 07:11 Building Community Through Public Health 09:34 Community Partnerships for Mobile Mammograms 15:48 Ensuring Cancer Care Access 17:20 Support Through Health Challenges 20:03 Breast Cancer Scare While Pregnant 24:18 Reaching Communities Through Mammograms 27:52 From Awareness to Action 30:03 Gratitude for Dedicated Partnerships See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  3. 12 FEB

    Cold Caps and Warm Hearts: Two Friends Versus Breast Cancer

    How do you respond when a friend faces a diagnosis that changes everything? What does real support look like during breast cancer treatment? In this episode, you’ll hear how friendship, early detection, and self-advocacy made a difference. You’ll also learn about the challenges of treatment, the role of caregivers, and ways communities rally when it’s needed most. - Discover what it takes to face fear and make critical decisions. - Hear two friends describe finding strength and asking for help. - See why early action and support networks can impact recovery. Support The Rose HERE. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered How did Anne-Laure discover her breast cancer? How old was Anne-Laure when she was diagnosed with breast cancer? What was Anne-Laure’s experience with her initial diagnosis? How did Anne-Laure finally receive an accurate diagnosis? What type of breast cancer was Anne-Laure diagnosed with? How soon after diagnosis did Anne-Laure begin treatment? Did Ann-Laure use cold caps to try to keep her hair during chemotherapy? What was the role of friends and support in Anne-Laure’s journey? How did Anne-Laure and her husband communicate about her diagnosis and treatment? How did Anne-Laure handle the emotional impact and fear during her breast cancer journey? How did Anne-Laure and Rochelle support each other as friends through the process? What advice does Anne-Laure offer about early detection and self-advocacy? How did the experience change Anne-Laure’s approach to accepting help? How did Anne-Laure process and talk to herself through her treatment? How did Anne-Laure and her community celebrate treatment milestones? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Self-Discovery of Unusual Growth 03:25 Considering a Second Opinion 09:06 "Princess Diana's Influence on Cold Caps" 11:23 Hair Perception and Dry Ice Delivery 15:52 Hospital Freezers: Aiding Neuropathy Treatment 17:00 Finding Humor in Cold Caps 22:59 "Embracing Limits and Early Detection" 24:01 Early Detection Saved My Life 29:25 "Caregiver Struggles and Attention" 32:07 Support Network Eases Transition 35:37 Proactive Help and Support 38:20 Overcoming Fear Through Understanding See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    44 min
  4. 10 FEB

    The Adventurer’s Guide to Surviving Breast Cancer

    Trusting your instincts can change everything. Dorothy Gibbons and Jenny Fitzpatrick talk about early breast cancer diagnosis, persistent self-advocacy, and navigating treatment as a young mother. Jenny Fitzpatrick describes celebrating survivorship, building community, and creating new traditions. Stories connect lives. Experiences shape what comes next. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. How old was Jenny Fitzpatrick when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and how was it discovered? 2. Was Jenny initially misdiagnosed, and what was the medical response? 3. What symptoms or clues made Jenny pursue a second medical opinion? 4. What was unusual about Jenny’s breast cancer diagnosis and treatment experience? 5. What treatments did Jenny receive, and did she undergo radiation therapy? 6. Why did Jenny opt for a prophylactic second mastectomy, and how did her doctor respond? 7. How long did Jenny’s reconstruction process take, and why was it prolonged? 8. How does Jenny celebrate her breast cancer survivorship annually? 9. What inspired Jenny to start organizing adventure trips, and what are some examples? 10. How did Jenny first learn about the Rose, and why did she become a supporter? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Discovering Health Concerns 04:41 Realization in the Mirror 07:03 Treating Mind and Body 12:12 Breaking Patterns, Trying New Things 16:12 92 Years of Friendship 19:50 The Car Wash Chronicles 22:41 Adventurous Roots in the Northwest 23:43 Empowering Adventures for Women 27:59 Extra Years, Extra Love 30:06 Gratitude and Politeness See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min
  5. 5 FEB

    Friendship in the Face of Breast Cancer

    Dorothy is joined by Ronnie Haggerty, a board member of The Rose, who recounts her personal story of rallying together with friends years ago when a close friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. She describes the important role friends can play during this time; a role no other person can fill. This was also the first time she encountered seeing the different ways The Rose helps women. Known for her deep understanding of philanthropy and the regulations governing 501(c)3 organizations, Ronnie has spent her career helping nonprofits grow and become sustainable. If you’ve ever thought about starting a nonprofit, Ronnie has some sage advice that may surprise you. The nonprofit sector brings its own kind of challenges, yet they fill the gap in providing resources and services to the community. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1.) How can nonprofits operate effectively? 2.) What are key things to consider when determining whether to start a nonprofit? 3.) What are some of the significant challenges uninsured women face in terms of accessing healthcare and what can nonprofits do to help? Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Nonprofits and Best Business Practices 09:33 Advice for Starting a Nonprofit 26:16 Challenges Faced by Uninsured Women 28:40 The Role of The Rose in Providing Healthcare Access See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
  6. 3 FEB

    Overcoming Language and Financial Barriers in Breast Cancer Care

    Asking for help is never easy. Dorothy Gibbons introduces Kathia, manager at The Rose’s southeast location. Three departments fall under Kathia’s leadership: medical records, registration, and sponsorship programs. The Rose offers care and access, removing barriers like language, cost, and transportation. Even after diagnosis, bilingual patient navigators remain with patients, helping them through paperwork and treatment. Preventive care and self-advocacy are emphasized throughout. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. What is Kathia’s role at The Rose?2. What does 'removing barriers' mean at The Rose?3. How does the sponsorship program at The Rose work?4. Why is it hard for women to ask for help regarding their healthcare?5. What is the process for patients who may need sponsorship?6. How does Kathia personally relate to patients at The Rose?7. What support does The Rose provide for patients diagnosed with breast cancer and facing barriers?8. How does the new system at The Rose improve patient experience? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Patient-Centered Care Program 05:20 Building Relationships Before Sponsorship 08:07 Healthcare Barriers for Non-English Speakers 11:02 Support Resources for Cancer Patients 13:13 Patient Education Process Explained 18:15 Teaching Self-Advocacy to Kids 22:32 Compassionate Staff with Shared Experiences 23:13 Connection and Mission Forward See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 min
  7. 29 JAN

    Busting Breast Cancer Myths: Fact vs. Fiction with Dr. Raz

    Misinformation still finds its way into the conversation. Dorothy Gibbons and Dr. Raz dive into breast cancer myths, mammogram safety, risk factors, and common social media claims. They sort through concerns about bras, deodorants, cell phones, diet, and trauma. Evidence and screening guidelines guide the facts during this episode. Please consider sharing this episode, or making a donation at therose.org so more women receive breast cancer screening and care. Subscribe to Let’s Talk About Your Breasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts. Key Questions Answered 1. Does getting a mammogram increase your risk of developing breast cancer due to radiation exposure? 2. Why is there so much controversy and skepticism surrounding mammograms and breast cancer screening, especially compared to other screenings? 3. Is breast cancer only a concern for women with a family history of the disease? 4. Is breast cancer purely an older woman’s disease, or can younger women get it too? 5. Does wearing an underwire bra or any bra cause breast cancer? 6. Can deodorant use (especially with aluminum) lead to breast cancer? 7. Is carrying a cell phone in your bra (or close to your body) a cause of breast cancer? 8. Does hair dye or using plastic water bottles increase breast cancer risk? 9. Does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase breast cancer risk? 10. Can breast injury or trauma cause breast cancer? 11. Does obesity relate to breast cancer risk? 12. Can animals sense breast cancer in humans? 13. Are alternative treatments or internet trends (like ivermectin or bee venom) effective against breast cancer? 14. Is it important for patients to trust their doctor and treatment process? Timestamped Overview 00:00 Mammogram Radiation: Safe and Essential 04:22 Annual Screening Controversy Explained 08:28 Breast Cancer: Risks and Incidence 11:14 Impact of Treating Women's Diseases 13:52 Aluminum in Deodorant Safe 18:29 HRT Risks and Tapering Explained 25:52 Ivermectin Misuse and Clinical Trials 28:51 Health's Role in Cancer Prevention 29:47 Poison Necessary to Fight Cancer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    32 min

About

The Rose Breast Center of Excellence presents Let's Talk About Your Breasts with Dorothy Gibbons. Each week, Dorothy hosts candid conversations with an array of people in the breast cancer community. From doctors and employees to donors and individuals who influence policy, you'll learn all there is to know about the disease which impacts so many women in our community.